We are part-way through Ramadan, one of the holiest months of the year for Muslims, a time of self-reflection, self-evaluation, increasing worship and charitable deeds.
The month involves a daily fast from dawn to sunset, abstaining from food and drink, including water. For SECAmb colleagues observing Ramadan, while it is a beautiful time of the year, it requires some adjustments at work.
Paramedic Bacher Baccouche wakes before sunrise for Suhoor, a power meal to prepare the body for a day of fasting.
“Suhoor is simple—water, dates, something slow-release if I can manage it. Ramadan doesn’t change the emergencies we attend, but it does change how I prepare for them,” he said.
“By mid-morning, hydration would usually be on my mind, but during Ramadan I manage energy differently. I pace myself where I can, take a moment to breathe between jobs, and rely on routine and experience. Adrenaline carries you through the urgent moments. Training kicks in. Patients don’t see the fasting, they see steady hands, a calm voice, reassurance when they’re scared.”
Working an operational shift means flexibility is key: “Prayer can be challenging on the road. Sometimes it’s a quiet corner of a station, sometimes it’s later than I’d like. Flexibility is part of the faith, and part of the job. What helps most is understanding from colleagues, simple things like covering for a few minutes or checking in. Those small gestures make a big difference.”
For Maliha Miah, who has worked at SECAmb for almost nine years as a 111 Health Advisor, immersing in Ramadan can help with her work.
“I feel fasting helps with mental clarity and so call-taking for me isn’t different than normal,” she said.
“I like to keep away from screens during my breaks and pray in this time as it helps me to ground myself during my shifts. It really helps me to recalibrate, let go of emotions that I may have been subconsciously holding onto, and return to my desk with a readiness to continue helping patients in the best way I can.”
Both are keen to point out that the focus of Ramadan is much more than just a daily fast.
“Fasting while working as a paramedic isn’t about pushing through hunger; it’s about balance and intention. I’m not just abstaining from food and drink, I’m also trying to be more patient, more mindful, more present,” said Bacher.
“When the shift ends, I’m tired in a way that feels earned. Fasting while serving the community reminds me why I chose this job to help people at their most vulnerable. Ramadan, for me, adds another layer to that purpose. It’s a month that asks for discipline, compassion, and reflection, qualities that matter on the road every day.”